Veterans at MIIS Mark Rememberance Day with Public Discussion on “Perspectives on War”

Poppies are a well-known symbol of Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day - observed on November 11

November 11, 2011 - 12:00am

On November 10, on the eve of Remembrance Day, the MIIS Veterans Association hosted a well-attended public panel discussion in the Irvine Auditorium of seven former military personnel about their experiences in the “Global War on Terror.” This open exchange offered a unique opportunity for the Institute community members, - faculty, students and staff as well as local community members and local service members to “gain a deeper understanding of U.S. involvement in areas such as Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Wes Andrews, president of the MIIS Veterans Association and former U.S. Air Force officer.

“At MIIS there are currently more than 55 veterans who have returned to academia to better ourselves as we transition to civilian life,” continued Andrews. “The Institute has gone to great lengths to support each of us in our academic endeavors and we sincerely appreciate all that our instructors, faculty members and administrative personnel here do to help us reach our goals of graduation.”

At the Institute, veterans are valued members of the community or as one faculty member put it recently: “Veterans are now well represented in each of our major programs, bringing unique perspectives into the classroom and invaluable, sometimes previously unconsidered, insights into the discussion.”

Asked what this day means to him Andrews replied: “Oftentimes, we take all that we have in America for granted, but occasionally, we must show our appreciation to all the living service members who have willingly sacrificed to give us what we are so fortunate to have in these United States."